Label printers are constantly looking at new ways to generate revenue, and one of the great industry trends comes in the form of flexible packaging.

While companies debate how to monetize flexible packaging, suppliers are not wasting any time in developing the best materials for this application. Avery Dennison, a substrates and adhesives supplier located in Mentor, OH, USA, has developed multiple structures to enhance flexible packaging.

Avery Dennison provides laminations in a host of functional layers, based on the intended use. The printed pouch could be a paper or film facestock with buried barrier components and a heat seal surface, which enables the structure to be sealed. Avery Dennison carries an array of paper and film laminations in 2-5 plies, allowing for a wide range of packaging formats like pouches and stickpacks. The company’s newest portfolio is designed to support stand-up pouch formats.

“Flexible Packaging is the fastest growing packaging segment in the US and across the globe,” says Cindy Collins, product manager, Rapid Roll, at Avery Dennison. “With many packaging formats available that can fill a host of application requirements, this growth is expected in many product segments from food to industrial.”

According to Collins, flexible packaging currently makes up 19% of the total packaging, coming in second behind corrugated at 24%.  

There are benefits to moving products to flexible packaging. The segment’s rise has come in a direct response to consumers’ desire for more functionality in their packaging. “Many studies have been published over the past year noting that new products are being brought to market in a flexible packaging format and product redesigns are being moved to flexible packaging,” notes Collins. “Brand owners are looking for the value-added functionality of flexible packaging, as well as the real environmental savings of moving to lighter packaging that extends a products shelf life.”

Avery Dennison’s new stand-up pouch portfolio has been developed to offer good zipper and premade pouch options for customers. In addition, these materials provide environmentally-friendliness. “As we all work toward more sustainable packaging options, our customers are no different,” says Collins. “This movement to more sustainable flexible packaging options will continue to flourish.

Avery Dennison provides customers with a multitude of in-house resources, where they can collaborate on tailored solutions to meet their individual needs. The Concept Lab in Mentor serves as a creative hub for customers looking to get into this new market.

“As in any new area of growth, there are barriers to entry,” explains Collins. “Avery Dennison works closely with our customer base to support and educate as they enter the flexible packaging arena. Knowing your capabilities ahead of time, what products or areas of growth you can service and providing the quality and service that is required will lessen the challenges.”

Looking ahead to the future, flexible packaging presents a real opportunity for converters. “With the given growth rates being projected and new formats and functionality being added to the flexible packaging laminations, I believe it is ‘The Place to Be and Grow’ for today and the foreseeable future,” adds Collins.